Tooth Fillings

Our office uses tooth-colored composite resin materials for the majority of the fillings we place. We will also use amalgam when it is indicated, and porcelain or resin inlays and onlays if larger amounts of tooth structure are missing.

By using the newest bonding techniques, we will restore your teeth to a natural look and feel. Some of our composite filling materials actually release fluoride to help prevent decay. The resin materials wear at a rate close to that of natural teeth and since they are bonded, they generally do not require extensive preparation, unlike that needed for amalgam, thereby keeping the tooth stronger. The result is a more esthetic and pleasing smile!

ADVANTAGES OF TOOTH-COLORED RESTORATIONS

There are many advantages to tooth-colored restorations. Resin onlays are bonded to the teeth creating a tight, superior fit to the natural tooth. Such restorations can be used in instances where much of the tooth structure has been lost. The tooth remains intact and stronger. Since the resin used in tooth-colored restorations contain fluoride this can help prevent decay. The resin wears like natural teeth and does not require placement at the gum line, which is healthier for your gums!

REPLACING SILVER FILLINGS WITH A TOOTH COLORED RESTORATION

You can have your silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored restorations (onlays). This process requires two appointments.

Your First Appointment:

The old filling is removed along with any additional decay.
An impression is made of your teeth. A model of your teeth is made and sent to the lab.
A temporary onlay is placed on the tooth.
At the Lab: A resin is carefully placed into the model of your teeth. It is then designed to look natural.

Your Second Appointment:

The temporary onlay is removed.
A conditioning gel is placed on your tooth to prepare it for the new onlay.
Bonding cement is placed on the tooth and a high-intensity light bonds the resin to the tooth.
The tooth is then polished.
Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

DENTAL AMALGAM

Dental Amalgam is a commonly used dental filling that has been used for over 150 years. Amalgam has many advantages over other restorative material, such as low cost, strength, durability, and bacteriostatic effects.

Amalgam is used in dentistry for a number of reasons. It is relatively easy to use and manipulate during placement; it remains soft for a short time so it can be packed to fill any irregular volume, and then forms a hard compound. Amalgam possesses greater longevity than other direct restorative materials, such as composite. On average, most amalgam restorations serve for 10 to 12 years, whereas resin-based composites serve for about half that time. However, with recent improvements in composite material science and a better understanding of the technique-sensitivity of placement, it should be noted that this difference is decreasing.

There are circumstances in which composite (white fillings) serves better than amalgam; when amalgam is not indicated, or when a more conservative preparation would be beneficial, composite is the recommended restorative material. These situations would include small occlusal restorations, in which amalgam would require the removal of a more sound tooth structure, as well as in “enamel sites beyond the height of contour.”

The American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs has concluded that both amalgam and composite materials are considered safe and effective for tooth restoration.